It can be incredibly frustrating when you plug your iPhone in to charge and see the dreaded “Not Charging” message. A phone that won’t properly charge can render your iPhone useless until the issue is resolved, so it’s important to troubleshoot and identify the cause of the problem.
The good news is that in most cases, an iPhone not charging properly is caused by a minor issue that you can likely resolve on your own without taking it to Apple. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the potential reasons an iPhone won’t charge along with the steps to get your device charging again.
Reasons an iPhone Won’t Charge
There are several possible causes for an iPhone not charging properly. Here are some of the most common:
Faulty Charger or Cable
The most obvious reason an iPhone won’t charge is because of a problem with the charging cable or adapter block. Cables can fray or come loose over time, preventing a proper connection. Issues like bent pins on the charging port, loose connectors, or damage to the cable itself can prevent power and data transfer.
Using third party “off-brand” cables that aren’t MFi certified can also cause connectivity problems. Even official Apple cables that are damaged or worn out won’t provide a consistent charge.
Dirty Charging Port
Pocket lint, debris, and grime can easily build up inside the iPhone’s lightning port. All that gunk obstructs the charger from properly connecting to the port’s pins.
Even dust particles that have settled in the port can form a barrier between the charger and iPhone. Cleaning out the port so there is a clear path for power transfer will often get your device charging again.
Software Issue
Like most other smartphones, iPhones rely on software to control many system functions, including power management and charging.
A glitch in the operating system, an app that’s draining power rapidly, or an incomplete update installation can all prevent your iPhone from charging correctly.
Resetting the phone to factory default settings or properly updating iOS software will typically resolve a software-related charging issue.
Battery Issue
If your iPhone won’t charge beyond a certain percentage, it’s likely because the battery has degraded over time. All rechargeable batteries lose capacity as they age.
Apple lithium-ion batteries are designed to retain up to 80% of their original capacity after 500 complete charge cycles. If your battery is unable to hold much of a charge or your iPhone is randomly shutting down, replacement is required.
Now that you know the most common reasons an iPhone won’t charge, here are the steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
Troubleshooting Steps
Follow these tips to determine why your iPhone isn’t charging and how to fix it:
Inspect Cables and Charger
Carefully examine both ends of the Lightning cable for any damage. Look for fraying, kinks, cuts, torn insulation, bent pins, and loose connectors.
Replace Lightning cables annually to avoid deterioration over time. Also inspect the adapter block for damaged pins or other defects. If the cable and charger look fine, try plugging them into another device like an iPad to see if they charge properly.
Damaged cables and chargers are fire and shock hazards. Only use Apple MFi certified Lightning cables with your iPhone.
Clean Lightning Port
Use a wooden or plastic toothpick to gently clear out any lint or debris in the iPhone’s lightning port.
Be very careful not to damage the delicate pins inside the port. Compressed air can also blow out stubborn dust bunnies.
Isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab dampened with distilled water helps clean out grime buildup. Let the port dry fully before attempting to charge again.
Update iOS Software
Having the latest iOS version installed helps eliminate any bugs that may interfere with charging.
Updating to the newest software is quick and easy:
- Open Settings > General > Software Update to check for available updates.
- Tap Download and Install if an update is available.
- Connect your iPhone to WiFi and plug it in to charge during the update process.
- The device will automatically restart once finished.
Be patient and let the update fully complete. Also install any pending iOS updates for your apps.
Reset iPhone
Resetting your iPhone erases any corrupted files or glitches in the operating system that could prevent charging.
Note that you’ll have to restore your data and settings from an iCloud or iTunes backup after resetting. Here’s how to reset:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Choose Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Confirm that you want to reset the device to factory settings when prompted.
- Set up your iPhone from scratch or restore from backup during the setup process.
Check Battery Health
Your iPhone’s Battery Health feature shows maximum capacity and peak performance capability of your battery.
To check it:
- Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
- The Maximum Capacity reading shows battery capacity percentage relative to when it was new.
Anything less than 80% will cause charging problems.
- Performance Management shows if iOS is throttling CPU/GPU to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
If your battery health shows poor lifespan and capacity, replacement is likely needed. Apple offers low cost battery replacements for eligible models.
Try Alternative Charging Method
If your iPhone isn’t charging properly from the Lightning port, try charging it wirelessly. Place the device on a Qi certified wireless charger or charging stand to see if it will charge up without a cable connection.
You can also connect your iPhone to a computer using the cable. Ideally plug the device directly into a rear USB port on a desktop PC rather than bus-powered USB on a keyboard or monitor.
This provides higher wattage charging compared to most wall adapters.
Get Battery Replaced
Once you’ve tried cleaning the port, different cables and chargers, updating software, resetting the device, and checking battery health, battery replacement is the only option left if your iPhone still isn’t charging properly.
Apple authorized service centers and many big box electronics retailers offer competitively priced official battery replacements for most iPhone models.
Alternatively you can trade in your current iPhone toward a new model. Be sure to back up your data before service or upgrade.
Replacing an aged lithium-ion battery will typically resolve any iPhone charging issues due to internal battery failure. Just be sure to use Apple authorized parts and reputable repair shops.
FAQs
Why does my iPhone say not charging?
If your iPhone says it’s not charging even while plugged in, the most common reasons are a loose or damaged cable, dirty charging port clogged with debris, depleted battery needing replacement, or software problem.
How do I fix iPhone not charging?
Fix an iPhone that’s not charging by cleaning out the Lightning port, trying a different charging cable, updating iOS software, resetting the device to factory default settings, getting the battery replaced if capacity is below 80%, or charging wirelessly.
Why is my iPhone not charging after update?
An iPhone that stopped charging after an iOS update is usually due to the device shutting down before the installation had time to fully complete. Fully update iOS again and let the iPhone finish installing without interruption until back on the Home screen. Also reset the device and charge while powered off.
Conclusion
While it’s always concerning when your iPhone refuses to charge properly, in most instances it ends up being a simple fix like cleaning out the Lightning port or replacing a worn out charging cable.
Following the helpful troubleshooting tips outlined in this article should get your iPhone charging smoothly again. Restoring factory settings, updating iOS, trying different cables and chargers, and inspecting the battery health can typically isolate the cause of the problem.
For added convenience, consider charging your iPhone wirelessly using a Qi certified pad or stand. This eliminates any issues with broken charging cables or port damage.
In rare cases where an iPhone won’t charge due to internal lithium-ion battery failure, replacement by an Apple authorized service technician is the solution. Just remember to backup your data before service.
With the right troubleshooting techniques and equipment, you should be able to get your uncooperative iPhone charging once again.